Canadian Students Win Gold and Bronze at National Skills Competition

Two talented trades students from Okanagan College in British Columbia stood on podiums in Toronto this May, clutching medals that represent not just their own hard work, but a growing movement celebrating skilled trades careers.

Emily Frick earned bronze in Car Painting at the 2026 Skills Canada National Competition. Vladyslav Usach took home gold in Collision Repair.

Both students had already dominated the provincial level in April, sweeping gold medals before heading to nationals. The national stage brought even sweeter victories.

Frick's bronze medal made history twice over. She became the first female national banner winner for Okanagan College and the first student to win a national banner in Car Painting for the school.

"I was able to showcase my learning and go up against some of the most talented apprentices out there," Frick shared after her win. "This was my first and only time competing and I was so excited to bring home a medal and a banner from Nationals."

Usach's gold medal performance reflected months of dedicated preparation with instructor Andreas Roth. Roth's coaching proved so effective that he also helped train Sy Korf, a high school student from Enderby who earned gold in Autobody Repair at the same competition.

The Ripple Effect

These wins signal something bigger than individual achievement. They showcase how quality trades education creates pathways to rewarding careers that communities desperately need.

Frick already has her sights set on the future. She plans to create intricate custom paint work and coach the next generation of painters, paying forward the support she received.

The college's Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship, Caitlin Hartigan, emphasized how these results validate years of program building. "Skills competitions are an incredible platform for our students to demonstrate the depth of their abilities and the strength of their training," she said.

The success stories extend beyond the podium finishers. Over a dozen Okanagan College students competed at provincials across nine different trades categories, from welding to IT network systems administration.

Provost Dr. Samantha Lenci highlighted the collaboration behind the wins. "What our students accomplished in Toronto illustrates what is possible when students, educators, industry partners and institutions work together toward a common goal," she noted.

Three young people now return to their communities as champions, carrying medals that might inspire others to consider careers where hands-on skill meets artistic precision and technical mastery.